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Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 202 Google reviews · Running trail in Cottonwood Heights, Utah · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Neighborhood park offering a paved creekside trail with benches.
What runners say about Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
“We wanted to celebrate the end of the school year with some hot dogs and s’mores and were please find a beautiful and clean picnic spot by the raging waters!”
Such a beautiful trail! Paved and flat, with a rushing river alongside. Benches along the path for those that need a break.
Always love hiking along a creek, so this trail fits the bill. There is a historical section which is well labeled. The sound of water is soothing and drown out most car noise. The road is fully paved so suitable for seniors and children. You share a path with the bikes so be careful.
Great, leisurely trail with incredible views! It’s about a mile long and is paved, which is great for those with strollers or for people who don’t enjoy an uneven surface. Parking lot can be limited or spacious, depending on what end of the trail you begin at.
Beautiful, clean, and a great drive. Not great hiking or places to get wet though (my two favorite nature activities).
Trail conditions & character
“We wanted to celebrate the end of the school year with some hot dogs and s’mores and were please find a beautiful and clean picnic spot by the raging waters!”
“It’s about a mile long and is paved, which is great for those with strollers or for people who don’t enjoy an uneven surface.”
“Nice trail, I started at Knudsen park, went to the parking lot where Big Cottonwood canyon starts and came back.”
“We wanted to celebrate the end of the school year with some hot dogs and s’mores and were please find a beautiful and clean picnic spot by the raging waters!”
Plan your run at Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Cottonwood Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mill Hollow Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
Neighborhood park with a paved path, a playground and picnic tables and benches.
Knudsen Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 327 reviews
Park featuring a playground with climbing structures and slides, plus picnic spots and a splash pad.
Ferguson Canyon Trail Head
4.6 ★★★★★ 508 reviews
Hiking trail with views, waterfalls, rock climbing areas, and wildflowers.
Mount Olympus Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 739 reviews
Hiker's favorite, the steep trail leads to a summit with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains; also popular at sunset.
Mountview Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,214 reviews
Venue featuring playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball & tennis courts, plus a splash pad.